SYRACUSE - Bruce Neemann representing Syracuse Fire and Rescue squads presented a proposal to the mayor and city council regarding a new fire and rescue building at the location of Midland and 17th Street in Syracuse.

Neemann has been working with Schemmer Architecture of Lincoln to put together a proposal for the Midland Street-facing facility. This design phase would be a 10-week process with three to four drafts coming back to the city council before expected construction costs are finalized.

Neemann said Schemmer and its partner  BRW have constructed many firehouses.

The concept includes nine drive thru bays, including a wash bay. There are two separate meetings rooms, rescue training room, offices and first-floor  day room.  Dorms could be established on the second floor if Syracuse ever goes to a paid rescue squad.

City Attorney Jerry Stilmock had a couple questions for Neemann to take back to Schemmer before final consideration of this contract.

In other action, Rescue Chief Tim Wilson asked for approval of a new member Mike Bauersmith, who does not live close to Syracuse. Wilson said they are still working out those details. The council approved Bauersmith as a new member.

Wilson also said the rescue squad has broken the record for calls answered already this year, the majority being very critical and strenuous calls.  Wilson reiterated that the squad is in need of members. Seven of its members are over 50, the average age  of the squad members is 50 years old.  The next five years will show whether Syracuse will have a service.

Even paid service towns are having a difficult time filling those positions.

The squad is still committed to having   a less than 5 minute response time, WIlson said.

Antes Hardware remodeling 

In a change order from Van Kirk, the Syracuse received a refund of $75,301 for unused products for the north loop project.

 

The Master agreement for general consulting and street superintendent with Justin Stark was approved.

 

Melissa Juilfs, Library director, reported the completion of the Make-it-Monday classes for October. 15 children attended Grace Willard helped children take home several projects

December 3rd. The library will be open for Tannenbaum from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. The library staff will be handing out free books. The American Auxiliary will offer cookies , coffee and music in the meeting room. The library is also partnering with the Otoe County Museum of memories in 2025 to present a speaker series with the Nebraska Humanities program.

Jan. 19th: - Jeff Barnes presents Jesse James

Feb. 16th: Charlotte Enforf - Excess Baggage: Riding the Orphan train.

March 16th: Dan Holz- All Original, All Nebraska Music

 

2024 Storytime schedule for those interested:

 Nov 27, 2024 Thanksgiving storytime and Escape room for the older kids

Dec. 18th  - Christmas storytime.

2025 storytime dates

Jan. 22nd, Feb 26th, March 26th, April 23rd.